Join Us: Letter Writing Campaign for Public School Funding
Hi Lafayette Families,
The 2026 Washington State legislative session runs from January 12 to March 12. Our legislators need to hear from us about the critical funding challenges facing our public schools [click for details].
We’re asking for your help to:
Join the Washington State PTA Letter Writing Campaign - which will send a letter to your representatives and senator with just a few magic clicks!
Or reach out to your state elected officials via email (template below) or telephone and ask them to:
Avoid any cuts to school district funding and keep promises made in the 2025 session
Reinvest K-12 funding lost to enrollment decline back into districts to stabilize schools
Close the MSOC gap (Materials, Supplies, and Operating Costs) so funding reflects actual costs and keeps pace with inflation
Prioritize K-12 education in all budget decisions
District 34 Legislator Contacts:
Here are the email addresses to our 34th legislative district representatives and their aides. Please copy their aides on the emails to the individual representatives.
Sen. Emily Alvarado – Emily.alvarado@leg.wa.gov
Legislative Aide: KT Lewis – kt.lewis@leg.wa.gov
360-786-7667
Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon – Joe.fitzgibbon@leg.wa.gov
Legislative Aide: Oksana Reva – oksana.reva@leg.wa.gov
*House appropriations committee (this means he helps write the first draft of the budget!)
360-786-7952
Rep. Brianna Thomas – Brianna.thomas@leg.wa.gov
Legislative Aide: Jordon Shamberg – Jordon.shamberg@leg.wa.gov
360-786-7978
Email Template
Subject: Protect public school funding in Washington State
Dear [Legislator Name],
As your constituent, member of Lafayette Elementary PTA in the Seattle Public School district, and a supporter of public education, I urge you to prioritize K-12 funding in the 2026 legislative session.
Our schools are facing unprecedented challenges. Despite promises of full funding, districts across Washington continue to operate with significant budget gaps that force cuts to essential services, staff reductions, and program eliminations that directly impact student learning and well-being.
I am respectfully asking you to protect existing funding by opposing any cuts or decreases to public school funding. Even small funding cuts or reductions erode our ability to support student success. Please continue to support legislation and funding to address existing gaps in basic education for Materials, Supplies, and Operating Costs (MSOC) so that state funding reflects and keeps pace with inflation and actual costs.
Our schools are more than classrooms. They are safe spaces, community hubs, and trusted environments where students receive meals, access health care, and obtain critical services essential to learning and success.
I know there are many competing needs in our state budget, but continuing to support and fund public education should remain a top priority. Our students deserve fully funded schools. Please continue to make K-12 education a priority this session.
Thank you for your service and for considering my concerns.
[Signature Block]
Extra Credit:
Personalize your letter with your own story! Consider adding:
How funding cuts have impacted your local school (larger class sizes, eliminated programs, reduced support staff)
Specific examples of services your student has received through the school (meals, counseling, health services, tutoring)
Why your neighborhood school matters to your family and community
Concerns about potential school closures or consolidations
Recognition for actions your legislator has taken to support education
You can also request a meeting with a legislator (online). If you'd like help navigating that process, please feel free to reach out to Marissa Baker at legislative@lafayettepta.org
